The Naval Forces Western Mindanao rescued 63 passengers from a sinking vessel at the vicinity of Pilas Island, Hji Muhtamad, Basilan last Saturday.

Reportedly, the vessel, M/L Muna-Isa 1, while enroute to Basilan in a voyage from Mapun, Tawi-Tawi encountered adverse weather and sea condition which caused the craft to hit Tamila rock.

According to the boat Captain, upon hitting the rock, water continuously coming in which resulted to the sinking and panic among the passengers. Luckily, another craft in the vicinity was able to rescue the crew and passengers who are mostly already on the water. M/L Rafida brought the rescued people to Tausan Pier in Pilas Island while waiting for assistance to bring them to Isabela, Basilan.

The Naval Forces Western Mindanao thru its Littoral Observatory Station (LOS) Pilas has monitored the incident and reported same to the Naval Operations Center. BRP Leovigildo Gantioqui (PG384) was immediately deployed to the area and brought the rescued passengers from Tausan Pier to Isabela City, Basilan.

While aboard the navy craft, the passengers were given basic necessities such as food and initial medical treatment for those who are sick and those who sustained injuries from the grounding and sinking incident.

Tahira Ismael, the provincial administrator of Isabela City, received the 63 passengers for custody and processing at the provincial capitol upon arrival at Isabela City pier.

According to the commanding officer of the navy craft, survivors who need immediate medical attention were transported by an ambulance to a nearby hospital for a thorough medical check up. As reported, a Malaysian national who is married to a Filipino died and was buried at Pilas Island as an observance to a Muslim burial rite.

It might not be obvious; however, a happy face among the victims echoed their heartfelt gratitude to the Philippine Navy for the assistance extended to them.